Sec. Allan unanimously confirmed by Pa. SenateOn June 13, Richard J. Allan was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate by a vote of 50-0 as secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Richard Allan is a proven leader and commands a wealth of knowledge and experience in environmental and energy issues,” Governor Tom Corbett said. “I am confident that his abilities and background will be a tremendous benefit to DCNR, especially during this critical time in the agency’s history.”

Since 1991, Allan has served as executive director for the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware members of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, the national trade association that represents the recycling industry. Read more...

Ellen Ferretti named DCNR deputy secretary for parks and forestry
Ellen Ferretti will lead the state park and forest operations of DCNR, Secretary Richard Allan announced last week. Read more...

Delaware River sojourn highlights 'PA Rivers Month' activities
Showcasing the wild and scenic beauty that earned it River of the Year honors, the Delaware River again is drawing large numbers of paddlers, campers and other outdoors enthusiasts to the waterway’s sojourn, which began June 18. Read more...

DCNR forests, parks participate in Deer Management Assistance Program
Deer hunters again will find greater hunting opportunities in state forests and parklands participating in the Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program, or DMAP. Read more...

Pennsylvania’s forest firefighters answer the call again—and again
It is a classic case of the best against the worst. Put another way, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Read more...

DCNR celebrates reopening of North Park section of Clark Park in Philadelphia
DCNR recently joined the city Parks and Recreation Department and Friends of Clark Park in celebrating the reopening of a section of the 9-acre Clark Park in the University City area of Philadelphia. Read more...

Bids awarded for state forest bridge work, park project
Bridges in seven state forest districts are scheduled for replacement as part of ongoing construction, renovation and repair projects overseen by DCNR this summer in state forestlands and state parks across Pennsylvania. Read more...

Walking, talking, tour group focuses on Michaux State Forest habitat“The tour was well-planned and very educational. Time well-spent with good folk! …”Read more...

Camp Michaux was used to house and interrogate German and Japanese prisoners of war from 1942-1945. It was one of three in the nation. The walking tour, which describes the historical importance of the structural remains on the site, includes four main areas: the Bunker Hill Farm, Pine Grove Furnace CCC Camp, Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp, and Church Camp Michaux. The book guides visitors through 27 historical markers within Camp Michaux.

The site will receive an official state historical marker on July 16, 2011. The author of the book, David Smith, has guided tours at Camp Michaux for more than 10 years. He said that people usually come either to reminisce about their church camp or to learn about the POW camps.

West Branch receives national designation
On June 2 Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes announced the designation of the Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch as a National Recreation Trail (NRT), one of 41 trails being added to the National Trails System.

The West Branch water trail was recognized as one of only two NRTs designated this year in Pennsylvania. The trail joins a statewide network of 67 NRTs totaling more than 2300 miles. The designation of the Susquehanna River Water Trail – West Branch is part of a larger vision to create connected water trails along America’s waterways with a network of public access points.

The West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail is part of a larger Susquehanna Water Trail network. With the addition of the West Branch water trail, the Susquehanna Water Trail now totals 494 miles, and is the largest river-based water trail system in the NRT program. Key partners that have helped the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership to make the water trail a reality include DCNR, the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, and the numerous public boat access owners.

DCNR investigating illegal off-road vehicles using trails at Susquehannock State Park
DCNR is investigating illegal activities that have been occurring in a section of Susquehannock State Park this summer.
The areas targeted for investigation and enforcement are the McCall and Urey tracts of the former Glatfelter Pulp Wood properties located near PA Route 425 (Furnace Road) in Chanceford and Lower Chanceford townships, York County. DCNR's Bureau of State Parks manages these lands as part of Susquehannock State Park in Lancaster County.

“We have received several complaints this season regarding illegal off-road vehicle use on these lands, and our on-the-ground observations confirms that this activity is occurring” said Park Manager Andy St. John.

Currently these tracts are undeveloped and are available for hiking, wildlife watching and hunting. Bureau of State Park law enforcement rangers will be patrolling these areas educating the public on DCNR rules and regulations.

The two tracts have a total area of 235 acres, with the Urey tract lying north of PA Route 425 and the McCall tract situated between Rt. 425, Mill Road and Kline Road. This portion of the park is undeveloped so there are no facilities available for the public, and future development is in the early planning stages.

“I am extremely proud of our team and proud also of the longstanding partnership we have with the state of Pennsylvania and elected officials,” said Buffalo District commander Lt. Col. Stephen H. Bales. “We have been involved with this innovative beach nourishment project since the late 1960’s and it is gratifying to think that present and future generations will be able to enjoy this valuable resource because of the team’s efforts.”

While Americans joyfully celebrate beaches by visiting them, few understand what it takes to keep many of those beaches special. The Best Restored Beach award is a way of highlighting the value of restored beaches. Beaches like Presque Isle not only provide family fun, but also help separate storm waves from upland structures and infrastructure and serve as habitat for species to live, feed and nest.

Agency Spotlight

Bald Eagle State Forest
While you may certainly spot a white-headed bird of prey there, this forest was actually named after an American Indian chief. Read more...

Upcoming Events

Camping for Beginners at Ridley Creek State ParkJune 25-26. Held 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 a.m. Have you been itching to give tent camping a try but have no idea how to get started, plus you don’t have any equipment? Here’s your chance to try camping with basic gear and expert support provided! Camping for Beginners is an educational experience ideal for families and individuals who have never tent-camped. Learn how to set up a tent, build a fire and cook meals using a fire or gas camp stove. Take a hike, make s'mores and listen to the night sounds.

The camping area is equipped with a fire ring, firewood, a bath house with running water, and a pavilion. We will supply tents, sleeping pads, lanterns, cookware, and meals. Campers must bring their own sleeping bags or blankets, flashlights, and personal items. Meals include dinner and campfire snacks Saturday, and breakfast Sunday morning. The fee per person is $20, payable at the event. For more information, email or call (215) 453-5015.

2011 Sustainable Landscapes Bus Tour to motor through Lancaster CountyJune 23. Township officials, landscape architects, planners, educators, park managers, and others—come see six great examples of ways to plan and manage land in a healthier, more environmentally friendly way while saving money! The tour kicks off at 7:30 a.m. at the Farm and Home Center in Lancaster with a continental breakfast and keynote presentations. Two busses will then depart for sustainable sites around Lancaster County including: Schaeffer Elementary School, Warwick Township Building, Mummau Park, Santo Domingo development, Ethel Swan Park and Raymark (a former industrial site), and Brubaker Farm. These sites highlight native plantings, natural stormwater management, energy efficiencies, and more.

The bargain price of the bus tour is $25 which includes breakfast, lunch, a spot on the bus and handouts. Registration materials are available here. Only 100 seats will be available, so register early. For more information about the event, call Jessica at (717) 214-7511.

River Towns workshop offeredJune 28. The workshop is held 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at PPL Montour Preserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium in Danville, Montour County. The SEDA-COG Community Resource Center and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership are presenting a workshop series geared towards river towns as part of the River Towns – Phase II: Discovering Middle Susquehanna Valley River Towns project. The workshops are designed to provide information for river towns to decide each one’s unique course as it prepares for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The registration form can be downloaded here. Multiple spaces are available if more than one person from your organization should choose to attend. The cost of each individual workshop is $15. Follow the RSVP schedule below in order to allow us to accommodate for lunch. Contact Becky Digan at (570) 524-4491.